What causes Eczema to flare up: treatment and natural remedies

Eczema is not on a single disorder but multiple. What causes eczema to flare up remains a mystery. There are many theories. Most agree that the sufferer has an over-active immune system that kicks into overdrive when the body encounters a trigger. The trigger can be a substance outside or inside the body. The automatic response is an overproduction of inflammation. The inflammatory reaction spurs red, painful, itchy plaque, pimples, and blisters to form on the skin’s surface.

Genetics Are What Causes Eczema to Flare Up

Researchers around the globe agree that genetics play a pivotal role in eczema. Geneticists have determined that a mutation in the gene that creates filaggrin is a cause for many. Filaggrin is a crucial protein manufactured by the system to create a protective barrier on top of the skin.

An insufficient amount of filaggrin means you have a weak barrier defense. Moisture evaporates from your skin. The delicate surface makes you prone to more viruses and bacteria breaking through the perimeter and entering your physical body. Most eczema sufferers have infection-prone skin compared to the rest of the global population.

Known Triggers of Eczema

It takes dedication and perseverance to keep your eczema controlled, so you remain comfortable and trouble-free. Most sufferers work hard to figure out the known triggers. They are often a challenge to detect, and there might be more than one.

Dry Skin: This is often an annual occurrence. In the winter, your home’s HVAC system usually sucks the humidity right out of the home if you run a furnace. A woodstove drys out a house even further. Also, winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling dries and damages your skin making you prone towards a breakout. Depending on where you live, the summer can become arid if you reside in locations like Arizona, New Mexico, or other desert landscapes. If your skin feels tight, then you might deal with a flare up soon.

Irritants: We live in a chemical-based society. Very few products are all natural. Take a few minutes to read the label on your laundry detergent, dishwasher liquid, or shampoo. Half the ingredients you won’t be able to pronounce, but you can rest assured they are chemicals. When investigating what causes led to the outbreak, you should focus on chemicals first.

Here are just a few known irritants that you will probably find in your pantry or medicine cabinet?

Shampoo

Bubble bath

Body wash

Bar soap

Laundry detergent

Fabric Softner

Fabric dryer sheets (anti-static)

Metals (especially nickel)

Household cleaners

Fabrics such as wool or polyester

Perfumes and fragrances

Air freshener

Antibacterial ointments such as bacitracin, Neosporin, or neomycin

Glue

Adhesives

Formaldehyde ( a common ingredient used in the very construction of homes)

Paraphenylenediamine used in leather furniture and clothing. It is even used in children’s temporary tattoos.

Cocamidopropyl betaine (a common ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions)

Stress: Stress is a killer. They link it to cardiovascular disease, stroke, gastrointestinal upset, premature aging, headaches (migraines) and many other problems. The question is, does stress cause eczema? Feeling stressed out makes the symptoms worse and might even activate a flare-up.

Sweating: Yes, living in a hot climate leads to excessive perspiration and bouts of prickly heat. Ideally, when you exercise you should wear ventilated workout clothing. Also, be sure to run the air conditioner to stay calm. The AC will also pull humidity out of the air. If you suffer from eczema, avoid sweat lodges, saunas, and steam rooms.

Possible Foods That Flare Up Eczema

No one likes to think the cuisine they love might make them sick. However, there are foods that flare up eczema. Any foods that contain excessive amounts of nickel such as nuts, tofu, canned meats, and some vegetables may put you in danger.

Baby Flare Up Causes

Yes, your bundle of joy can develop eczema at about two months old. Most believe that the cause is an undeveloped skin barrier and fat cells. Most youngsters outgrow the problem by four. However, as older children, teenagers, and young adults atopic eczema might relapse. Most who suffer from the disorder have a genetic predisposition so will have to battle flare ups for the rest of their lives.

Eczema Flare Up Treatment Options

Head for your local pharmacy to talk directly with the pharmacist about over-the-counter and non-prescription treatments to get detailed information. Of course, you’ll want to ask the druggist how to get rid of the rash and curb the itch.